muscat, jan. 11 (xinhua) -- new sultan of oman haitham *n tariq al-said said on saturday that he will follow the steps and approach of the late sultan qaboos *n said and will complete the progress achi*d in the omani renaissance process.
he stressed that he will pursue a policy of distancing the region from conflicts and dis*s, achieving economic integration, and supporting the arab league and cooperation with brother countries to achi* its goals.
the remarks came in his speech to the omani people, which was broadcast by the omani state-run tv, following his inauguration ceremony as the sultan of oman.
in his speech, the new sultan emphasized the support of the armed forces and security *s.
haitham *n tariq al-said was chosen on saturday as sultan of oman to succeed the late sultan who passed away on friday *ning, at the age of 79, after a period of rule for almost half a century.
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